UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

09/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 05:09

Celebrating the values of traditional nomadic sports at the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana

From September 8th to 10th, 2024, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO, visited Astana, Kazakhstan, on the occasion of the 5th World Nomad Games. Organized under the patronage of UNESCO, this prestigious event welcomed over 2,500 athletes from 89 countries, showcasing the rich heritage of nomadic civilizations through traditional sports and cultural celebrations.

During the visit, Amb. Miculescu emphasized UNESCO's commitment to support and preserve nomadic cultures, highlighting their contributions to promote the values of sport and intercultural dialogue. In her speech delivered at the opening of the International Conference 'Sport as a tool for social integration of youth: lessons of nomadic culture,'co-organized by the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the UNESCO Almaty Regional Office and the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO, Amb. Miculescu underscored that:

Investing in sports is a meaningful way to serve the young generation and its future. In the spirit of the wise nomadic tradition, sports set up a beautiful trajectory to fulfillment and achievement. We need to expand this dialogue on sports and young people's social integration, from creating hubs for sports activity and for innovative sports practices in disadvantaged communities to redefining the educational frameworks for sports, sustainable development and social inclusion.

Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO

The President's visit contributed also to the celebration of the World Nomad Games as part of humanity's heritage, following their inclusion on the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, in 2021. Moreover, at its 42nd session, in November 2023, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted a resolution requesting the elaboration of a UNESCO collection entitled 'History of Nomadic Civilizations'.

The President's agenda in Astana included also the participation at the opening ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games, as well as bilateral meetings with Mr Akan Rakhmetullin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan and Mr Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World Federation of UNESCO's Clubs and Associations, interviews for national and international media and visits to important monuments illustrating the unique Kazakh historical, cultural and scientific heritage.